Chris Borland stands above the rest

MOBILE, Ala. – Day 3 of Senior Bowl practices is in the books. The potential first round picks in attendance have been underwhelming. Yet, there are others who played at a high level at their university that continue to do so in Mobile.

Here’s who impressed — and who didn’t — on Day 3 of Senior Bowl preparation.

Rising

Chris Borland, LB Wisconsin

Height will always be an issue for the 5-11 linebacker, but Borland’s ability to play football can never be questioned. Borland has been the most consistent player on the field during the past three days of Senior Bowl practices.

It’s easy to notice in Borland in the middle of the defense barking out calls. He is lining up everyone properly pre-snap and, usually, making plays post-snap.

At Wisconsin, Borland wasn’t asked to play in coverage last season. Borland ensnared his second interception of the week Wednesday. He was most often sent on a blitz or served as an edge rusher. Yet, he’s proven through three practices that he knows how to play passing lanes. And, more importantly, he looks comfortable doing so.

Borland’s height really isn’t an issue. At times, it’s an advantage. The linebacker isn’t small. He’s a solid 245 pounds. When Borland meets a fullback or lineman in the hole, he has the strength to stand them up and fill his gap responsibilities.

Borland won’t be a first round pick. He may even have to wait until the third or fourth round to hear his named called even though he continues to prove he’s one of the best football players in the country and in this draft class.

Josh Huff, WR Oregon

Wide receivers are often overlooked in Oregon’s offense due to the Ducks’ explosive running game. He’s not being overlooked during Senior Bowl practices.

The Atlanta Falcons coaching staff made sure Day 1 to get the ball in Huff’s hands. The 5-11, 201 wide receiver continually gets separation and is an available target. He caught a pair of passes in the end zone during Wednesday’s practice. The first, he was falling backwards but still had the wherewithal to come down with the reception. Huff was able to high-point the second catch over the cornerback.

If it weren’t for a diving attempt for a third touchdown reception which went through Huff’s outstretched arms, the wide receiver may have gotten top billing.

Falling

James Gayle, DE Virginia Tech

One of the aspects NFL scouts and decision-makers look for during All-Star weeks is improvement. They want to see players get better each day.

Gayle was on track to do that as the day began. He came out to practice with renewed vigor after a couple of poor efforts. Gayle crashed down off an offensive tackle’s down block and squeezed the hole. He was strong against the run.

Gayle then made a mistake. A mistake which he repeated from earlier in the week. It drew the ire of defensive line coach Bryan Cox. Cox erupted on Gayle for lowering his head and not taking on his block properly.

Normally, a coach chewing out a player isn’t news-worthy. But every scout in the stands surely took notice of the player who is still making the same mistakes and not learning from them.

Will Sutton, DT Arizona State

Sutton was visibly upset with himself throughout Wednesday’s practice.

Sutton wasn’t holding ground nor showcasing his explosiveness. In multiple instances, he wasn’t able to shoot his hands and gave up his chest. Offensive linemen easily got their hands inside with their initial punch and controlled the defensive tackle.

After strong efforts the first two days of practice, Sutton fell back to the pack. He has one more practice and the game to regain his momentum.